I’ve noted the hotels we stayed at with notes in case you are considering those locations. I will probably write in more detail about India in general as time goes on.

Delhi. Spent a day in Delhi before leaving for Agra and a day after Agra before leaving for Varanasi. (Best Western Taurus Airport: not recommended, staff not very friendly or organized – repeated mistakes with our reservations).

Agra / Taj Mahal. A few of us met before the group trip began to visit the Taj Mahal. Spent a night in Agra to visit the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal. (Wyndham Grand: luxurious)

Kovalam. Stayed at the Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Resort. This place has amazing food – much of it vegetarian. They recommend you stay for two weeks for a full ayurvedic cleanse – which sometimes includes blood letting. The beach here was quite nice but also tricky surf. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.